After a harsh winter and cold spring, the season came in with the momentum of a nor’easter in early May for Paine’s Patio.

“We were up overall for the year but it was all jammed into a 10-week period, so we’re all a little tired,” said Doug Shearer, who owns the Cape Cod business with his wife, Kristin.

Though the condensed season resulted in a dip in their special orders, the Shearers’ decision to take a chance and go big with their 2013 early buys meant that merchandise was in the warehouse and ready to be delivered when it came crunch time. 

“We took some chances with inventory last year and we will probably continue that trend,” Shearer said. “It allows us to financially reap the benefits and be a little more competitive against some of the bigger guys around us.”

The shorter season also caused a dip in accessory sales, most of which are sold through the in-store Nautical & Nice gift shop. Shearer blamed the drop in traffic on weather, which delayed the return of many of his seasonal customers to the area.

Paine’s Patio has an approximately 9,000-sq.-ft. showroom with 4,000 square feet of outdoor deck. Elements such as the new “Farmer’s Porch” display, showcasing its mix of rocking chairs and an indoor “backyard” with cedar walls and decking have earned the retailer national recognition, including the 2014 Casual Living Merchandising Awards in the Best Use of Accessories and Best Outdoor Display categories. 

“We always do our utmost to make the customer feel that they can look at a set on the floor and imagine it on their porch,” Shearer said.

This is the third Apollo Award nomination for Paine’s Patio.